“I reacted as someone who felt scared”: ITIA charges Marketa Vondrousova over missed test amid injury-hit season
WTA
Marketa Vondrousova has been formally charged with a doping offence by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, following what has been classified as a missed test under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. The case stems from a doping control incident at her home, which the 2023 Wimbledon champion has publicly addressed, linking her actions to a period of sustained physical and psychological strain.
The charge falls under Article 2.3 of the anti-doping code, which covers refusal or failure to submit to sample collection without compelling justification. According to the ITIA, the case remains under investigation and does not currently carry an automatic provisional suspension, leaving Vondrousova eligible to compete pending further developments.
Her statement, released on social media, frames the incident within a broader personal context. Vondrousova explained that the testing officer arrived outside her designated one-hour whereabouts window and did not properly identify themselves, leading to a reaction she described as rooted in fear rather than intent to evade testing.
The situation emerges during a disrupted competitive period. Vondrousova has not played a singles match since January 2026, with her season affected by injury, although she recently appeared in doubles during a Billie Jean King Cup tie. The ongoing case now intersects with an already fragile phase in her career trajectory.
“It is very tough for me to talk about this, but I want to be transparent with you about my mental health. The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress.”
Charge context and sequence of events
The ITIA confirmed that Vondrousova has been charged with refusing a test, a violation that typically requires the player to demonstrate compelling justification to avoid sanction. The governing body has not disclosed further details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation, but acknowledged awareness of the player’s public comments.
Vondrousova’s account introduces key contextual elements, particularly regarding the timing and circumstances of the attempted test. She stated that the visit occurred late in the evening, outside standard protocol expectations from her perspective, and without sufficient identification, factors that influenced her response.
“For a long time, I've been dealing with injury, constant pressure, and ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile. It slowly wore me down more than I probably realised at the time."
"On top of that, years of hateful messages and threats have affected how safe I feel in my own space. When someone rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol, I reacted as a person who felt scared. In that moment, it was about feeling safe, not about avoiding anything.”
Her explanation effectively shifts the focus toward situational judgment rather than procedural non-compliance, a distinction that is likely to be central to her defence as the case progresses.
Competitive background and declining continuity
The case unfolds against a backdrop of reduced on-court activity. Vondrousova’s last full competitive stretch came at the 2025 US Open, where she reached the quarter-finals before withdrawing ahead of a scheduled match against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. That run included victories over top-10 players such as Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini.
Since then, her results have been fragmented. She recorded losses to Karolina Muchova in Ningbo and Tokyo, the latter ending in retirement, and opened her 2026 campaign with a three-set defeat to Magdalena Frech in Brisbane. A subsequent win over Liudmila Samsonova in Adelaide was followed by a walkover loss.
Medical context and defence framework
Vondrousova’s statement includes confirmation of medical evaluation, citing diagnoses that she argues directly influenced her behavior during the incident. Specifically, she referenced acute stress reaction and generalized anxiety disorder as factors impairing her judgment at the time.
From a regulatory perspective, this introduces a clinical dimension to the case. While the anti-doping framework maintains strict liability standards, documented psychological conditions may be considered in assessing intent and proportionality of sanction, depending on the evidence presented.
“Experts confirmed I suffered an Acute Stress Reaction (F43.0) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (F41.1). In that moment, fear clouded my judgment, and I just couldn't process the situation rationally. After what happened to Petra, we don't take strangers at our door lightly.”
Her reference to safety concerns within the tennis community further contextualizes her response, suggesting that external factors influenced her perception of risk at the moment of the incident.
Uncertain timeline and return outlook
Looking ahead, Vondrousova faces a dual process: resolving the disciplinary case while managing her physical recovery. She has indicated that her immediate priority is stabilisation rather than a rapid return to competition, acknowledging the need to address both aspects in parallel.
The absence of a provisional suspension allows for a potential return in the short term, but her recent lack of match play and ongoing recovery complicate scheduling decisions. The outcome of the ITIA investigation will ultimately determine the extent to which her season can proceed uninterrupted.
“I’m trying to slowly find my way back — both on and off the court. Tennis has always been my world, but right now I'm also focusing on healing and getting through this in the best way I can. I'm still working to clear my name, but at the same time I need to take care of myself. Thank you to my boyfriend, my family, and everyone who has stood by me — it means more than I can explain. For now, I'm taking a bit of time to breathe and recover.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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